Gauteng and Northerns feature some good Pre-season Batting

In a friendly match played at Randjesfontein, batting was the best feature on a flat pitch that offered over 1300 runs in just four days. When play drew to a close on Friday 10th September, a draw had been settled but the practice and team spirit between the provinces had been useful.

Gauteng opened the scoring with 386/9 decl. boasting 4 players who passed the half-century mark (Richard Snell top scoring with 80 off 88 balls). The innings featured 3 50 run partnerships! Surely a positive sign for the Gauteng team.

Northerns were to put on 308 in their first innings with Fusedale taking four of their wickets (including Elworthy and McKenzie). Kuiler took three wickets, finishing with figures of 16-5-67-3. The other wicket-taker was Eksteen, the new Gauteng Captain, who finshed his innings with 20.5-6-41-2. Northerns top-scorer was Dirkie De Vos with his contribution of 66 off 134 balls. His wicket was finally taken by Fusedale in a super caught and bowled effort.

The trend of high scores continued as Gauteng posted another 301/4 in their second innings, with Sven Koenig scoring a marvellous 159 before going out to a stumping by Northens Wickie Morgan. A disappointing end to a marvellous innings. The other half centurion was fellow opener Adam Bacher who achieved 53 before being caught by Smith off Botha's bowling.

This set Northerns a toatl of 380 to chase off the last innings. They set about it well but could only manage 254/3 when the umpires declared it a draw at the drinks break of the last session.

Team spirit was high and the practice match served its purpose. With runs coming so freely we can only hope that the season will be filled with such prolific scoring!